Why did the #Mughal Emperors not perform the #Hajj? The simple answer is that the duty of protecting the boundaries of the state, preserving law, order, public safety & rights (Hukukullah) was an absolute obligation (fardh al-ain), hence the Emperors were excused from the Hajj. 
“Hajj is not incumbent upon the Sultans; they would rather sit on the throne & perform justice, lest an instigation should arise”.
17th century Fatwa by Ottoman Shaikh ul islam, Es’ad Effendi.
17th century Fatwa by Ottoman Shaikh ul islam, Es’ad Effendi.
To make up, the Emperors would annually sponsor Hajj voyages & appoint a representative (Amir ul Hajj) to lead the pilgrims, ensure their safety, distribute gifts & charity across the holy cities, & to perform the Hajj on the emperors behalf.
The female relatives of the Mughal Emperors also performed the Hajj & sponsored Hajj voyages. Zeb un nisa, the daughter of Aurangzeb sponsored the Hajj of Safi ibn Vali, who was instructed to compile a Hajj guidebook known as ‘Anis al-Hujjaj’ (The Pilgrim’s Companion).
References :
The pilgrimage : Sultan Ghalib Al-Qu'aiti.
Why the Sultans did not perform the Hajj : Prof Ahmed Akgündüz, which can be read here :
osmanli.org.tr/why-did-the-ot…
Images 3/4 are from the Mughal commissioned 'Anis al-Hujjaj', by Saifi ibn Vali.
The pilgrimage : Sultan Ghalib Al-Qu'aiti.
Why the Sultans did not perform the Hajj : Prof Ahmed Akgündüz, which can be read here :
osmanli.org.tr/why-did-the-ot…
Images 3/4 are from the Mughal commissioned 'Anis al-Hujjaj', by Saifi ibn Vali.
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